Some big changes could be coming to folks living in Florida and on Medicaid.

Republican lawmakers want to force Medicaid patients to get a job and make them pay for their coverage.

They argue it's an effort to encourage people to work and take health care more seriously.

Some Democrats argue it's extreme.

By national standards, Florida is actually considered stingy when it comes to Medicaid. The state doesn't cover adults unless they have kids and it ranks last nationally when it comes to spending on children.

Many doctors don't even accept Medicaid patients, and that is one reason they often visit the emergency room instead.

Some argue House Bill 7117 will make it harder for the poorest to see a doctor.

“They should pay something. If it's free, people will abuse the system,” said David Harris.

Harris is on board with lawmakers who want people on Medicaid to pay up.

“There isn't any free lunch. Everything costs. There is no such thing as free,” Harris said.

That would be especially true under a new bill that calls for charging Medicaid patients $10 or $15 a month for healthcare.

GOP lawmakers argue it will make them more responsible.

“If we pay money for an appointment, we're going to show up. I think it would be taken a lot more seriously and that they would place some value on it,” said Carol Harris.

If Medicaid recipients who meet the criteria didn't get a job or didn't pay their premium, they could be kicked off for an entire year.

“I don't think that is a good idea. There are a lot of people on Medicaid for different reasons,” said Ricki Snyder of Fort Myers.

About 4.4 million people in Florida rely on Medicaid.

For adults to be eligible, a family of three must earn less than $6,600 a year. That's about $550 a month.

“I believe that it would cause even more strain on parents and just people in general who are already struggling,” said Maria Pasotti of Fort Myers.

Those opposing the bill call it a burden on the poor.

“I think if they're making that kind of wage then they can't afford that $15; they probably can't afford some of their food,” said Karen Newcaster.

In order for this bill to pass, the Florida Senate must sign off and so far, they haven't.

The federal government would also have to approve it. That would likely happen under the new administration that has called for changes.

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